capable of virtue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of virtue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the potential or ability to exhibit virtuous behavior or qualities. Example: "Despite his troubled past, he has shown that he is capable of virtue through his acts of kindness and generosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Possibly to indicate that everyone may be equally capable of virtue and vice, several performers are cast in wildly contrasting roles.

The New York Times

Nicole's best-known work is the Essais de morale, 4 vol. (1671; "Essays on Morality"), eventually enlarged to 14 volumes, in which he discussed the problems raised for ethics by human nature, which he found seldom capable of virtue.

Britannica

Sturges never assumes the ordinary guy is morally superior; the poor are just as likely to be venal as the rich, who are in turn perfectly capable of virtue.

The Guardian - Film

By virtue of our receptivity to such feelings, we are capable of virtue and have a sense of right and wrong.

SEP

The human being can then be held as a moral agent: not that his virtuous character is a settled matter, but that he is capable of virtue, and hence, of moral achievement, and can, thus, achieve personhood.

SEP

However, since this potential for politics can only be fulfilled by those who are indeed capable of virtue, politics is most fully realized not by an arithmetically based democracy in which all who can be counted as individuals can vote, but rather by a regime in which citizenship is limited to all and only the (sufficiently) virtuous.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Each of the terrifying characters is revealed as two-sided, capable both of virtue and cruelty, allowing Chihiro to learn to navigate among their generosities and vulnerabilities and imperfections.

Huffington Post

However, Swift does not believe that experience alone could make one capable of understanding virtue or being capable of teaching virtue.

Wikipedia

To the extent that virtue reflects the operation of reason in the human soul, which is capable of following reason, virtue, Plutarch argues, is natural to us.

SEP

He said that Moalin was "capable of both humanitarian virtue" and of collaborating with terrorists.

The New Yorker

The synthesized organic semiconducting multi-branched molecules are capable of photopatterning by virtue of photopolymerization of the reactive pentadienyl end groups.

Organic Electronics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "capable of virtue", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes virtue within that specific scenario. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because someone is "capable of virtue" in one area, they automatically exhibit it in all areas of life. Acknowledge that virtuous behavior is often context-dependent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of virtue" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the potential for moral goodness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of virtue" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the potential for moral goodness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and usable in written English. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in a range of sources, from academic and scientific publications to news media, suggesting its relevance across different contexts. It is important to use this phrase when you wish to emphasize the inherent capacity for virtuous behavior rather than the actual demonstration of it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to be virtuous

Focuses on the ability or power to exhibit virtuous behavior.

possessing the capacity for virtue

Highlights the inherent potential or aptitude for virtuous conduct.

having the potential for goodness

Emphasizes the latent possibility of demonstrating moral good.

inclined to be moral

Suggests a disposition or tendency towards moral actions and decisions.

susceptible to virtuous behavior

Indicates an openness or vulnerability to being influenced by virtue.

open to virtuous influence

Highlights receptiveness to the positive impact of virtue.

demonstrating moral promise

Suggests early signs or indications of future virtuous conduct.

virtue is within reach

Expresses accessibility and attainability of virtue.

with virtuous propensities

Implies natural tendencies or inclinations toward virtuous actions.

able to act morally

Focuses on the practical capability to perform moral deeds.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of virtue" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of virtue" to describe someone or something that has the potential to exhibit virtuous behavior. For instance, "Despite his flaws, he is "capable of virtue" when faced with difficult decisions".

What are some alternatives to "capable of virtue"?

Alternatives include phrases like "able to be virtuous", "possessing the capacity for virtue", or "having the potential for goodness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "capable of virtue", or should I use a different phrase?

Saying someone is "capable of virtue" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, depending on the context, a phrase like "inclined to be moral" or "susceptible to virtuous behavior" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "capable of virtue" and "virtuous"?

"Capable of virtue" suggests the potential for virtuous behavior, while "virtuous" implies that someone consistently exhibits moral excellence. The first denotes possibility, while the second describes actual behavior.